What 570 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Mercedes-benz C-class Phev

The vehicle was represented to me as safe to drive, with no major mechanical issues, and that it would pass emissions after only a simple minor fix. After I took possession, the check engine light came on. The car began running rough and showing hesitation. A scan immediately showed a camshaft position sensor fault, cylinder misfire, lean fuel condition, and oxygen sensor/emissions faults. I was also told by a professional shop that the timing chain may be failing. I was then warned that these problems can cause power loss or engine stalling while driving, and that the vehicle in this condition would likely not pass a legal emissions inspection. I was never told about any of these safety or emissions problems before taking the vehicle. This situation creates a safety risk because sudden loss of engine power or stalling can happen in traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11697039

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that engine oil had traveled through the wiring harness causing the ECU to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover a portion of the repair cost. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

NHTSA ODI 11680900

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C300. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the timing chain tensioners were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact had experienced the failure with the timing chain tensioner on three separate occasions. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11662663

THIS IS THE SECOND TIMING CHAIN TIMING CHAIN TENSIONER THAT HAS GONE BAD. EVEN THOUGHT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY PROBLEMS REPORTED, MERCEDES WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THIS AS A RECALL PROBLEM. MY SAFTY IS AT RISK IF MY ENGINE BECOMES DISABLED ON THE HYWAY.

NHTSA ODI 11662655

News Channel Update | Warranty Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC A Mercedes-Benz AG Company One Mercedes-Benz Drive Sandy Springs, GA 30328 770.705.0600 IMPORTANT EXTENDED WARRANTY INFORMATION Mercedes-Benz AG (“MBAG”), the manufacturer of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, has determined that on certain Model Year (“MY”) 2012-2015 Mercedes-Benz Model 204 and 172 vehicles (C250 and SLK250), the warranty on the camshaft adjuster will be extended from the original 4 years/50,000 miles to 10 years/120,000 miles (whichever occurs first) from the original warranty start date. This camshaft adjuster extended limited warranty applies to all conditions that necessitate the replacement of the camshaft adjuster under the standard warranty terms and conditions. The extended warranty is applicable to the following vehicles: Model Years Sales Designation Engine Type C-Class 2012-2014 C250 M271 C-Class 2012-2015 C250 Coupe M271 SLK-Class 2012-2015 SLK271 Please be advised that all camshaft adjusters being claimed under warranty must have a short test with fault code attached and will be inspected. All camshaft adjusters found to be functioning properly or without proper documentation will be returned and the claim debited in full. The following damage codes and parts kit can only be claimed for the replacement of the camshaft adjuster: Damage Code: 05050 – Camshaft adjustment, intake camshaft Damage Code: 05052 – Camshaft adjustment, exhaust camshaft Parts: A 271 050 21 00 80 – Camshaft adjuster, kit IMPORTANT: 1. Always check VMI to determine if a vehicle is covered under the 10 year/120,000 mile warranty period 2. Short Test Documentation with fault code information (P001477, P001600, P001762, P001662, P001177, P001700, P001192, P001492, P034062, P036662) must be attached to all returned camshaft adjusters Please check the VIN in Netstar/VMI before scheduling the appointment for the repair. Applicable vehicles will be visible in Netstar/VMI on October 30, 2020

NHTSA ODI 11658655

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound and a metal-on-metal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. The contact slowed down and stopped the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and heard the same abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the camshaft needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ODI 11654546

I was told this from a BENZ dealer. There was a warranty extension on this VIN: [XXX] that ended on 03/02/2023 which, had to do with adjustment units for the camshafts. Nothing we could assist with goodwill on this due to the age of vehicle. This is NOT fair and I’m experimenting this exact process and Mercedes Benz does not want to take responsibility and get this fixed for me. Now my vehicle can not pass a smog test required. Please help INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11652445

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The failure occurred on several different occasions. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the diagnosis was pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11635286

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while driving 25 MH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the camshaft adjuster had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an Extended Warranty because the 10-year time frame had been exceeded. The failure mileage was approximately 94,328.

NHTSA ODI 11626398

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The contact was made aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cam shaft adjusters needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ODI 11626033

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C250. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown Extended Warranty Coverage. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact there would be no assistance due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11606181

I bought this car new in 2013. I maintained it at the dealer as per MB recommendations. Last service was in August 2023. Currently had 42K miles on it. Two weeks ago 2 unknown to me lights came on and I took it to the dealer. The diagnosis was total failure due to oil leaking into the computer system. Second problem was water in the subfloor affecting sensors. Coons Mercedes in Catonsville, MD has all records. I was told that the oil leak was not detected because it was internal and due to an engine design. I was informed that there are many others stuck with this problem. I was informed that I was driving a car that could become suddenly uncontrollable. This was very scary. I was told I needed a new car. My insurance company inspected it and determined it was a total loss. I complained to MB headquarters and HQ in Stuttgart. I told them that they need to buy a new car for me. I have not heard from them. If MB know that there is an engine flaw why are they putting peoples' lives at risk?

NHTSA ODI 11573646

CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER breakdown with only 70k miles on engine. Dealership asking for 6k for repair as extended warranty expired last year.

NHTSA ODI 11530733

The contact owns a 2013 Mercedes-Benz C350. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that after several attempts, the vehicle restarted with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the valve cover gasket and various other unknown components needed to be replaced; however, no repair was completed. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle remained at the independent mechanic awaiting a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000.

NHTSA ODI 11509683

rear subframe premature rust for a 2013 car I've been reading a lot many people have same problem it is a very expensive fix and I'm sure Mercedes knows about it. Also engine makes very bad rattling noise at startup which is also a very expensive fix and Mercedes issued a tsb bulletin thank you

NHTSA ODI 11483845

The components of the engine being the camshaft adjusters, timing guide, timing chain, valves and pistons that all work to deliver power are faulty and have failed literally mid-drive. I was on a busy interstate during rush hour and nearly lost control of the vehicle as it just powered out while driving at 70 mph then forcing a semi to nearly terminate myself and family. The dependability and safety is abruptly ripped out from underneath you. Without even being able to control the vehicle and it coming to an abrupt, unsafe hault. There were no warning signs. The vehicle has since been looked at and informed me that an extended warranty is in place for half of all the parts and labor above.all should be covered and for safety.my nerves are a wreck and without a way to afford an entirely new engine I am left to contend with car payments for an unsafe undrivable vehicle. Since then the dealership recognized my concerns but has since stated that without a modification to the extended warranty or it being made a recall that there is nothing that can be done.

NHTSA ODI 11478916

The camshaft adjuster failed on my vehicle and created start up issues and had to be replaced at 123K miles. While not an immediate safety concern, the camshaft adjuster failure could lead to engine failure and is an inherent issue in this vehicle make and model. This is a flaw in the vehicle and Mercedes did not notify me of any recall or warranty terms.The repair code was confirmed and repaired by an authorized Mercedes dealer for $2800.There were no warning lamps however I experienced engine start up issues. I contacted Mercedes as was advised they would open a case to review potentially partial warranty coverage however did not receive any type of resolution.

NHTSA ODI 11458092

MB have 51 000 miles at 1300 rpm acceleration getting rattling noise, just started two week.

NHTSA ODI 11440386

over the last week I noticed a strong gas smell outside the car as I walk around in the back I check the gas cap and it seals normally and stronger than the smell that comes out of the gas cap

NHTSA ODI 11440097

I was told by the Mercedes Benz service center I take my car to that the timing chain and cam adjusters failed. I have a Mercedes Benz 2013 C250, with only 58,000 miles on it. I have my car serviced on time. I was driving my car on the highway, thank God I stopped at a local drugstore and when I tried to turn my car back on, only the lights will come on. It would not start up, and I had to have my car towed to the MB Hunt Valley service center where I get my car serviced. The Service Rep told me I had to have the timing chain, camadjusters, and lower guide rails replaced costing $6000. There is a extended warranty on the camadjusters which took the price down to 3600 which is still pricey. Which makes me wonder shouldn't the timing chaing also be under extended waranty. This type of event should only happen at least after the car reaches 100,000 miles. I have called Mercedes Benz customer service and awaiting for someone to call me back to see if they can assist. Awaiting a response as of 8/2/2021. I called after getting diagnoses which was 7/30/21. I have read numerous other reports of this same exact issue happening to other people. This is a extreme risk and safety matter that needs to be addressed by Mercedes Benz as a recall. Being newer model cars, the timing chain and camshaft adjusters should not fail, and most definitely not fail at 58,000 miles. Please look into this before someone gets hurt.

NHTSA ODI 11427465

I HAVE SEVERAL SAFTEY RECALLS AND PERFORMANCE RECALLS. RIGHT NOW MY CAR IS NOT OPERABLE DUE TO THESE RECALLS. THERE IS NO DEALER ON MY ISLAND. THIS VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW FROM HAWAII AND SHIPPED TO GUAM. THE DEALER IS REQUESTING US TO SHIP BACK THE VEHICLE TO FIX THESE RECALLS. WHICH WILL COST ME ABOUT 10,000.00 FOR SHIPPING. HOW DO I GO ABOUT THIS.

NHTSA ODI 11391106

HELLO, I BOUGHT MY CAR FROM LOCAL DEALER, USED WITH 69K MILES. DELIVERED IT WITH CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. DEALER CLAIMED IT WAS LOW WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID. I TEST DRIVE IT AND TOOK CAR TO MY HOUSE. AFTER A MONTH, I WENT TO MERCEDES BENZ SERVICE STATION WHERE I FOUND OUT THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER IS OUT. COSTING ANOTHER $4900. I RESEARCH MORE ON THIS ISSUE; THIS IS A FLAW IN THE MERCEDES M271 ENGINE. AFTER A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF MILEAGE, THE CAMSHAFT AND TIMING CHAIN HAVE BEEN MALFUNCTIONING IN MOST MERCEDES C250 CARS. MERCEDES DID A RECALL ON IT YEARS AGO THE CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER SOLENOID IS VERY FAULTY AS IT HAPPENS TO MOST C250 VEHICLE OWNERS. THE CHECK ENGINE STAYS ON EVERY DAY, THERE ARE 1000S OF PEOPLE REPORTED THIS ISSUE WITH MERCEDES.

NHTSA ODI 11374350

MY MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT MY 2013 MERCEDES C250 HAS A TIMING CHAIN/CAMSHAFT ADJUSTER SPROCKET PROBLEM AND THAT IT HAPPENS A LOT ON THESE CARS. I FOUND HUNDREDS OF OTHER PEOPLE ONLINE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM. IT STARTS USUALLY AS SOON AS THE WARRANTY ENDS. THE COST TO FIX IT AT THE DEALERSHIP IS $5600. IT IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AS YOUR ENGINE WILL EVENTUALLY GET DAMAGED WHILE YOU ARE DRIVING AND CAUSE A TERRIBLE ACCIDENT.

NHTSA ODI 11365443

THE TIMING MECHANISM COMMONLY FAILS IN 2012-2013-2014 CARS AND THE ENGINE MAY STUTTER OR TOTALLY FAIL. THE LOCAL DEALER WANTS $7820 TO REPAIR THE CONDITION IN A CAR WHICH HAD LESS THAN 58000 MILES. THE WARRANTY IS OVER AT 50000 MILES. THE FAILURE IS COMMON AND THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET AND.MANY OF THE INDEPENDENT REPAIR SHOPS KNOW ABOUT THE PROBLEM. I CAN FAX MORE DETAILS

NHTSA ODI 11354599

I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY DOING AROUND 70 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR LOST POWER AND START SHAKING ACTING LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO GO FORWARD, I WAS AFRAID THAT IT WAS GOING SHUT DOWN ON ME AND A LOT OF CARS WAS COMING BEHIND ME I WAS SO AFRAID I WAS GOING TO BE IN A BAD ACCIDENT, I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT INCIDENT, BUT I WAS AFRAID THE CAR WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF ON ME AND NOT START BACK UP BUT I MANAGE TO MAKE IT HOME BECAUSE I WAS ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK THE CAR TO BE DIAGNOSE BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON I WENT TO THE AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSE AND THE CODE CAME UP FOR CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS I HAD THEM REPLACED, THEN MY CAR STARTED HESITATING TO START AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND THEN GO OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND I WOULD DRIVE IT FOR ABOUT 30 MINS AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME BACK ON AGAIN STAY ON FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND GO BACK OFF AGAIN, I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND I WAS INFORM THAT IT WAS THE TIMING CHAIN BUT I DIDN'T BELIEVE IT, BECAUSE I HAD JUST REPLACED THE SENSORS AND THE SPARK PLUGS AND I DIDN'T HAVE THAT MANY MILES ON IT AND I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR 3 1/2 YEARS, I STILL DIDN'T BELIEVE IT THEN MY CAR STARTED TO HESITATE ON STARTING UP AND LOOSING POWER WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT AGAIN, SO I TOOK IT TO ANOTHER AUTOMOBILE REPAIR SHOP THAT SPECIALIZE IN FIXING MERCEDES BENZ AND IT CAME BACK WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS DUE TO TIMING CHAIN, TIMING CHAIN NEED REPLACING. I HAVE ALREADY REPLACE 2 CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSORS ON THIS CAR. I WAS TOLD IT WILL COST ME AROUND 5000.00 TO FIX IT. I HAVE ALWAYS HAD MY CAR MAINTENANCE SERVICE ON TIME, I CAN'T BELIEVE THAT THIS CAR IS HAVING THIS TYPE OF PROBLEMS. I AM SO AFRAID TO DRIVE THIS CAR.

NHTSA ODI 11352408